Millions of people travelling in Europe can use the European Health Insurance Card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare abroad on the same terms as residents.
The card, known as the EHIC, covers urgent and necessary treatment during temporary stays overseas, including care for pre-existing or chronic conditions, as well as pregnancy and childbirth, the European Commission said in a release on Thursday.
It is valid in all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover private healthcare or planned medical treatment, the Commission said.
Travellers must use public or participating healthcare providers to be covered under the scheme, it added.
Patients may have to pay the same charges as locals in the country they are visiting, because health systems and fees vary between countries, the Commission said.
Costs paid upfront can be reclaimed either from the national institution while still abroad or from a person’s health insurer after returning home.
How to get an EHIC
More than half of the EU population has an EHIC, the European Commission said.
Applying is free and can be done by contacting your health insurance institution before travelling.
The card is usually sent by post within a few days, while travellers leaving before it arrives can request an EHIC replacement certificate.
